UK and allies discuss sanctions to stop Iran blocking Strait of Hormuz

The UK and its allies have agreed to explore using sanctions to pressure Iran into reopening the Strait of Hormuz, according to Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper.

Representatives from more than 40 countries took part in a virtual summit on Thursday billed as the beginning of efforts to assemble a coalition capable of ensuring security in the Gulf shipping channel.

Cooper said Iran has been able to "hijack" the international shipping route to "hold the global economy hostage" following the talks, which the US was not involved in.

Iran has attacked several vessels in response to the war waged against it by the US and Israel, disrupting energy exports and sending global fuel prices soaring.

Cooper noted the focus of the talks was on diplomatic measures as opposed to military options, adding the countries want to use "every possible diplomatic, economic and coordinated measure" to reopen the Strait.

She said this includes increased pressure through the United Nations, exploring the possibility of sanctions to "bear down on Iran if the Strait remains closed" and working with the International Maritime Organisation to ensure the first stranded ships can get moving again.

The foreign secretary said: "Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz is a direct threat to global prosperity."

Cooper highlighted its importance in several areas, including trading routes for Gulf nations, energy exports to Asia and fertiliser supplies for farming in Africa.

She added: "Iran is trying to hold the global economy hostage in the Strait of Hormuz. They must not prevail.

"To that effect, partners today called for the immediate and unconditional reopening of the Strait and respect for the fundamental principles of freedom of navigation and the law of the sea."

• US and Israel continue war against Iran - follow live

On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump said it was for other nations to "build up some delayed courage" and reopen the route.

Trump said allies "should have done it" earlier, adding: "Go to the Strait and just take it. Protect it. Use it for yourselves."

Washington has repeatedly accused allies of not doing enough to secure the shipping route or to support its war effort, leaving the UK and other nations weighing how to contribute to securing the strait without becoming involved in the wider war.

Cooper, speaking after Thursday's talks concluded, said the government was acting in the UK national interest, with decisions "not based on any other country's priority or anything in terms of the US or other countries".

French President Emmanuel Macron said it was "unrealistic" to reopen the Strait using military force, saying: "It is never the option we have chosen."

Speaking during a visit to South Korea, he said: "This can only be done in concert with Iran. So, first and foremost, there must be a ceasefire and a resumption of negotiations."

Downing Street has not released a full list of attendees at Thursday's talks but the US was not expected to send a representative.

Countries which signed a joint statement in mid-March calling on Iranian forces to halt attacks against commercial ships were expected to take part, including some Gulf nations, as well as France, Germany, Japan, Australia and others.

The statement says: "We express our readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait.

"We welcome the commitment of nations who are engaging in preparatory planning."

The talks come a day after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the UK was "exploring each and every diplomatic avenue that is available" to reopen the route.

He also said British military planners would consider what could be done in the future to "make the Strait accessible and safe after the fighting has stopped".

At the same time, governments around the world are weighing how to respond to cost-of-living pressures triggered by rising energy prices.

About a fifth of the world's oil and gas passes through the Strait of Hormuz.

The price of a barrel of Brent crude, the global benchmark for oil prices, has jumped from $73 (£55) to well over $100 in recent weeks.